How to Shave a Dog for Surgery

Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Day

Introduction

Typically, when your dog has to have surgery, the vet tech is the one who is responsible for shaving the area to be operated on. The area to be shaved is based on what type of surgery your pooch is about to undergo. For example, if your pup is being spayed, her abdomen will be shaved from the sternum all the way to the groin. The area is shaved to create a sterile operating field that is free of hair and other debris. Of course, you can also take care of shaving your pup before you take him in for his surgery (though the tech will still go over the area again). 

Dog's Perspective

Your dog is probably just as happy about being shaved as he is about undergoing surgery. He probably doesn't have much of an idea what is going on. But, if it makes you feel better, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be the one to handle the preliminary shaving. 

The Straight Razor Method

Effective
0 Votes
Towel
Step
1
Puppy trust
Your pup must trust you implicitly for this method or you can use a tranquilizer to sedate her.
Step
2
Create a place to work
Choose a room in your house that is easy to clean up.
Step
3
Call your pup
Call your pup in the room. If she will let you, have her lay down with the area to be shaved showing. If not, give her a vet approved tranquilizer and wait for it to kick in and then position your pup.
Step
4
Prep the area
Using a pair of shears, cut the hair in the area as short as you can.
Step
5
Time to shave
While you don't need to use a shaving foam, it won't hurt. Carefully use a straight razor to gently shave the area until it is completely free of hair.
Step
6
Clean up
Gently clean the shaved area to remove hair and any shaving cream residue. The vet will disinfect the area with Betadine prior to surgery.
Recommend grooming method?

The Clipper Method

Effective
0 Votes
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Gather your tools
For this, you will need clippers, a disposable razor, some shaving cream, a bowl of warm water, and a tranquilizer from your vet.
Step
2
Sleepy pup
Go ahead and give your pup the tranquilizer and wait for it to go to work. When she is asleep you can go ahead and position her so you can see the area to be shaved.
Step
3
Break out the clippers
Time to break out the clippers and put a nice sharp blade in them.
Step
4
Reduce to a stubble
Use the clippers to shave the area down to a fine stubble.
Step
5
Clear the skin
Using a disposable razor and shaving cream, shave the rest of the hair from her skin and use a warm washcloth to wipe it clean. The vet will complete the final prep needed right before surgery.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • Any time you consider using a tranquilizer on your dog, be sure to talk to your vet. He will give you the right dosage along with full instructions on its use.
  • Never use a human pain pill to tranquilize your dog, it might kill her.
  • If you have never used a straight razor, this may not be the best time to learn how.
  • Be sure you remove the shaving foam or cream immediately as it might irritate your pup's skin.
  • Be sure the blade on your clippers is sharp to avoid snagging hairs and ripping them painfully out of your dog's skin.
  • Check with your vet to see if he wants you to prepare your dog or he wants to do it himself. 

Conclusion

Although it would be unusual for a pet owner to shave their dog prior to surgery, there may be times when it is necessary. The most important thing to remember is that you need to shave all signs of hair from the area to be operated on. Chances are good the veterinary surgeon or his assistants will still go over the area one more time before the surgery. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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